Student killed in Nanyuki anti-Ebola facility protests died from gunshot wound: Postmortem

A postmortem examination has confirmed that a 17-year-old student who died during protests against the proposed Ebola facility in Nanyuki was killed by a gunshot wound.

The examination established that a single bullet entered his head and remained lodged inside, causing his death.

The findings come amid growing criticism from human rights activists who accuse the government of focusing on compensation for victims while failing to hold police officers accountable for alleged misconduct.

The National Police Service (NPS) now says it is pursuing reforms and retraining efforts for officers.

For Lucy Kagure, the findings provided painful confirmation of what she had long suspected about her son's death.

"When I went to the police, I was told it was a stone. It was not a stone. What was removed from my child's head was a bullet," stated Kagure.

Government pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa said the autopsy clearly established the cause of death.

"He was shot in the head by a single bullet, with an entry wound on the left side just above the left eye. The bullet travelled inside the head and lodged at the back right side of the head," stated Dr. Ndegwa.

The case has reignited calls for justice from rights groups and members of the public.

Sylvester Muigai was killed during the second round of protests against the proposed Ebola facility in Nanyuki. During the demonstrations, three people lost their lives amid allegations of excessive use of force by police officers.

Human rights activists say accountability must take precedence.

"The right to protest is a constitutional right and the work of the police should be to provide security to protesters, not to be insecurity. What we are asking for is that the officers who were on duty that day should be prosecuted. There is a scheme for compensation for those hurt, so will the government be killing and compensating us?" stated Brian Olang'.

The calls come days after the government unveiled a compensation framework for victims of protest-related violence.

According to figures presented under the framework, of more than 1,000 claims recorded and verified by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 245 victims were killed during the period under review.

Beyond financial reparations, the framework also recommends reforms within the National Police Service (NPS).

President William Ruto acknowledged concerns over State conduct and called for changes in how police manage public demonstrations.

“Reforms and training manuals that reshape how our police service manages public demonstrations, ensuring professionalism, restraint, accountability and respect for constitutional rights," Ruto noted when he received the report.

Police officers, who are frequently accused of using excessive force during demonstrations, argue that there remains a gap between constitutional provisions and the realities officers face while policing protests.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja stated that efforts were underway to address those challenges through reforms and training.

But even as the police move towards bridging that gap, pressure continues to mount for accountability over protest-related deaths, with each new case adding to demands for justice from victims' families and human rights defenders.